On August 31, Selvage Avenue, the Teaneck street that the late Mayor Lizette Parker lived on, was renamed in her honor. The ceremony, appropriately held on her birthday, featured a back-to-school supply drive to benefit students attending the celebration. This was particularly meaningful given the overwhelming dedication and support Mayor Parker gave to the community’s youth.
Rhona Vega, a long-time friend of Mayor Parker, suggested creating an event in her memory. She, along with Council member Gervonn Romney-Rice and other community members, were discussing how they could best memorialize Parker when the backpack idea came to mind. What better way to acknowledge Parker who was always so committed to advancing the community’s youth? Two drop-off spots were set up, and more than 300 backpacks filled with necessary school supplies were collected for distribution at the celebration. The event attracted community members from all different backgrounds, which was fitting because Lizette Parker stood for inclusivity and worked hard to create a unified community. “Lizette Parker was a friend of mine and a colleague and an advocate for every resident in Teaneck,” said Deputy Mayor Elie Katz. “Regardless of your race, religion or background, Lizette Parker always worked hard to do good for all individuals,”he added.
The evening drew hundreds of people from near and far, including public officials from the local to congressional level. Deputy Mayor Dr. Henry Pruitt offered opening remarks prior to the unveiling of the street sign. Parker always referred to Pruitt as her mentor. “I learned far more from her than she learned from me; the only difference is I’m older,” expressed Pruitt. “The Teaneck Council is united on certain issues and divided on others. The honorary renaming of this street was unanimously agreed upon by all of its members,” said Pruitt. “In the life of a town, periodically people come along who make a real difference, even for a short time. Lizette was here for a short time, but did a tremendous amount for everyone around her.
”Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin, who served on the council with Mayor Parker since he was first elected, remarked that this Teaneck Council grew into their leadership roles as a unit. “Lizette lives in our hearts and when we go to govern, we think about what she would do,”Hameeduddin told the crowd. With over 300 backpacks distributed “even in death she still gives back.”
Long-time friend and colleague Councilman Mark Schwartz, who is also JLNJ’s co-publisher, shared personal thoughts about Mayor Parker. “This is an emotional evening, especially since it fell out on her birthday. One thing I will always remember about Lizette was her ability to check in on you after a rough meeting or after being attacked in the press. It’s always easy to ask someone how he or she is doing when you know all is well. It’s when you check in with someone when you know you will get an earful that made her stand out.”
Lizette’s husband, Anthony Parker, was in attendance and indicated that the outpouring of community members was moving. “There is nothing she would love more than to see all these people who came out to honor her. She would have been proud of this gathering and that we are together acknowledging her legacy,” Parker said.
Township Manager William Broughton proudly unveiled the new street sign, Mayor Lizette P. Parker Way, before a large crowd of teary-eyed family, friends and community members. “It is a privilege to be here commemorating my friend and colleague Lizette Parker and putting her name in the history books by renaming this street in her honor,” Broughton proclaimed.
The evening represented everything Parker stood for. Her love of the township knew no bounds. The prevailing message people took home was to always strive to do better, a philosophy Mayor Parker certainly embodied throughout her life. While Lizette Parker will be missed dearly, her memory will now be rooted in Teaneck forever.
By Andrea Nissel
